What did you like most about "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper?

[Anushka Surve]

This awesome book really stands out in how it develops its characters. Every character is so well-written with deep and complex personalities that make their actions and motivations feel totally real, even when they surprise you. The main character, especially, is incredibly well-crafted, showing the perfect mix of being composed on the outside while dealing with inner conflicts that drive the story to exciting places.

[Anushka Surve]

The way she brilliantly builds up the suspense in the book is just so good. The subtle way Skipper reveals the different layers of her characters is really interesting. I was totally hooked as the main character's seemingly perfect life starts falling apart, and I was super eager to find out all the hidden secrets underneath it all.

[Martina Sette]

I appreciated how the book portrayed Vanessa's experience as a Black woman who appears white, capturing the confusion she faces. Also, I liked the historical aspects of the book.

[Cynthia Fox 1]

I loved how vanessa over came being in an orphanage and she became a popular oerson no matter what her skin color . She sought out what she came to do and got the job famously that she wanted and to leave the orphanage behind to make her life better and to help those around her better. The kids loved her but they knew she had to make a life for herself

[Yasmine ZM]

What I liked most about the book is the genre, a historical fiction. A well-written one!

The other thing I like most is the fact that somehow, the author brings out the absurdity to classify people by race. Vanessa is half-white, half-black which is the entire dilemma; shouldn't she at least be considered half-half? Furthermore, she appears more white than black. Why the racists didn't want to consider her 'white' then? Just because she is mixed? Racism is just absurd and indeed I doubt that anyone on Earth nowadays is 'pure race'.

[Karry Eugene Garmon]

What I admired most about this novel is the unique friendship between Trisha and Vanessa, Trisha is the type of friend ready to lay down her life for her best-friend, this bond between them was the most adorable and unique aspect of this novel.

[Diana Lowery]

What I liked most about the book is the genre, a historical fiction. A well-written one!

The other thing I like most is the fact that somehow, the author brings out the absurdity to classify people by race. Vanessa is half-white, half-black which is the entire dilemma; shouldn't she at least be considered half-half? Furthermore, she appears more white than black. Why the racists didn't want to consider her 'white' then? Just because she is mixed? Racism is just absurd and indeed I doubt that anyone on Earth nowadays is 'pure race'.

I like your "pure race" comment. I wonder at what point humans will become so mixed that purity will no longer be an issue?

[Anwar Parker]

What stands out to me most about "Deceptive Calm" is its rich blend of historical context with deep, character-driven storytelling. The way Patricia Skipper captures the turbulence of that time, a year marked by racial tension and societal upheaval, adds a profound layer of authenticity to Vanessa's journey. Her struggle with identity and the intense personal challenges she faces are portrayed with a rawness that makes her story relatable and compelling.

[Naghma Qureshi]

I like to read the books where themes are drawn from real life making it not just relatable but also informative for.the readers. The theme of rejection based on racism is a strong one and that's what draws me to this book.

[Mehul Pan]

I truly second some opinions here. I liked that Vanessa was caught between a racial war. Being light skinned black woman doesn't really give you much to do. You're just grinding in between both the sides.

[StephieSunshine]

I love how Vanessa felt like the ones in the orphanage were all her family and really just her character in general.

[Faith Williamson]

The fact that Vanessa was a black woman and still appeared white stood out to me. I kept wondering how no one took notice of it.

[John Judah]

Deceptive Calm, I love the historical aspect of the book. a man will lost in the future without history. the book enable me to understand some historical event that had taken place. these actually help me to take some rational decision.

[Zainab Wasif]

‘Deceptive Calm’ is a deeply impactful and thoughtfully crafted novel. The way it addresses identity through Vanessa's experiences and the supportive friendship with Trisha is compelling and enriching. The historical context and Sister Rosalie's character add layers of depth to the narrative, making it not just a personal journey but also a reflection on broader themes.

[Shewaofafrica]

I like the historical vibe of the book. It me back to a time that I had always loved to be in. It was interesting to read.